This devotional by Pastor Jackson was too good not to share.
Philippians 3:17-18 (NLT®)
Pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.
I am increasingly concerned about our culture’s obsession with celebrities. So many promote philosophies that are completely at odds with the teachings of Jesus and live sin-filled lives. Yet, we watch their every move and attempt to style ourselves after them. We listen to their opinions on life and adopt them as our own. In the meantime, there are Spirit-filled Christians all around us, living modestly and following Jesus’ example of love and sacrificial service. They are not seeking the spotlight, but using the gifts, talents, and resources God has blessed them with to quietly expand His Kingdom. Of course, we have the ultimate role model of love and sacrifice in Jesus. Like Paul, I urge you to carefully consider your role models. If you can honestly say any of them are living as enemies of the cross, pray for them—but do not try to emulate them.
THINK ABOUT IT
Let’s always be found styling ourselves after godliness and humility, and with God’s perspective.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me live uprightly before You—deliver me from deception, and grant me love for Your truth. Awaken me to model my life after Jesus so He might be exalted in my heart more than those who live as enemies of the cross. In His name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson